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GOP candidates attending Orlando summit react to Paris attacks

Posted: Nov 13 2015 11:04PM EST

Video Posted: Nov 13 2015 10:45PM EST

Updated: Nov 13 2015 11:05PM EST

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - As day one of the Republican Party of Florida's Sunshine Summit in Orlando, the mood was completely different from the morning to the evening. Early in the day, the candidates -- having no idea what was about to happen in Paris -- took the opportunity to blast the policies of Barack Obama and criticize their Democratic opponents. In the evening, it was a very somber crowd, as word of the attacks in Paris spread throughout the convention hall.

GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson condemned the terror attacks, saying ""First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy for the people in Paris." He added that if he were president he would team up with U.S. allies to eliminate the "global jihadist movement," calling it an "existential threat" to the world.

Other candidates tweeted their sympathies. "Praying for Paris tonight. America will stand with you against terror," tweeted Jeb bush. "Praying for victims of attacks in Paris and for those reportedly held hostage," posted Marco Rubio. Donald Trump tweeted, "My prayers are with the victims and hostages in the horrible Paris attacks. May God be with you all."

"It reminds us that there are those out there who have a thirst for innocent blood," said Carson, the last of seven presidential candidates to speak Friday at a two-day presidential summit.